A cry for help from the future
On Monday, the atrium of the Rectorate building on Dechenstraße was transformed into the headquarters of the Bonn Carnival of 2226. But the celebration of the 400th anniversary of this Rhineland tradition was tinged with melancholy: flying “rockets” have long since replaced the carnival floats, which are no longer manned by people but by robots. “Bützen” (kissing) has been abolished, and humor is regulated by a special AI. “What's missing is the heart!” stated Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch, alias Carnival Prince 2226 Michael I, with his wife Bonna Silvia I at his side. On the spur of the moment, the two sought help from our present: Amidst the cheers and cries of “Bit! Bit Bit!” from the University's carnival revelers, the Prince and Bonna (princess) entered the Rector's office to tackle some tricky tasks, at the end of which lay the ultimate rescue of the heart of Bonn's carnival.
Among the numerous guests were representatives from politics, carnival, science, and Bonn society, including Her Highness “UNiversa” Skirmante I (Tamelyte) from the carnival society UN Funken e.V., who had brought honey from her Lithuanian homeland especially for Rector Hoch. “It brings good health, but only if you become a member of a carnival society!” emphasized the jolly head of the Bonn UN community. However, the students from the partner university Waseda in Japan had the longest journey. The brass ensemble Campus Brass of the University of Bonn created a special atmosphere by playing carnival songs for everyone to sing along to.
A carnival tour of P26
The University carnival began last Saturday when Prince Roland I and Bonna Stephanie III stopped off at “P26,” the University's showcase, as part of their carnival “shopping tour” through Bonn city center.
Outlook for the crazy days
Carnival at the University of Bonn does not end here – on the contrary! While most University members have the day off on Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival) from 11:11 a.m. and all day on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) to celebrate the Rhineland tradition, the University will once again participate enthusiastically in the Rose Monday parade. And, as every year, there will be the highly coveted University ducks to catch.
For those who don't want to be in the middle of the festivities, the P26 will be open during the “crazy days” on Friday, February 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, February 14, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed on Weiberfastnacht, Carnival Sunday, and Rosenmontag.
